Raising of the Cross

Albrecht Altdorfer

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a crucifixion scene. The image depicts a figure on a cross being lifted by a group of armored figures with spears, surrounded by a structured arrangement of other people and weapons. The overall style of the drawing is dense and intricate. The scene is dynamic, with numerous figures in various poses engaging with the central action of raising the cross. The attention to detail in the lines and the contrasts between light and dark create a sense of depth and movement. The drawing captures the drama and intensity of the scene, with the multitude of spears and the expressions of the figures adding to the complexity of the composition.